GOSPEL TRUTH: The Human Bridge

Discovered on the “Herald of Free Enterprise”…..

 

 

Many people have not forgotten the night of Friday 6th March, 1987, when the ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized so quickly after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge. During those terrifying hours on board the ship, some tremendous acts of heroism were recorded.

 

 

 

 

SO BRAVE

Perhaps the most amazing story after the disaster was of the tall man who became a “human bridge” in order to save the lives of other people. Undaunted by the darkness and the icy waters all around him, this brave man placed his strong body across a great chasm so that fellow-passengers might clamber over him to safety. Because he risked his own life, twenty people admitted afterwards that they owed their lives to him.

 

This incident very aptly illustrates the Christian message of the Gospel. People on the ferry were in danger and needed a bridge to reach safety. We are in danger too – the danger of perishing and being eternally separated from God. This danger is infinitely more serious. The Bible tells us that our sins have separated us from God (1).  We need a “bridge” to enable us to come back to Him.

 

 

 

SO READY TO HELP

 

Someone knew what had to be done. The Lord Jesus Christ came willingly from heaven into this world to make that way back to God possible. Facing the darkness of sin and the cold waters of death, He laid down His life and died in our place atCalvaryto “bring us to God” (2).  This “Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (3) was truly a “human bridge”. Yet He was more than just a man, for He was “God ….. manifest in the flesh.” (4) 

 

In spite of the tall man’s great courage, those who wanted to be saved could only reach safety by climbing over his body. It is the same with God’s salvation in Jesus Christ. The only ones who are saved are those who “cross the bridge” – placing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sadly, many consider it too degrading to trust in the Man who died for them upon the cross. Others do not realize that they are in danger and so remain where they are. If, reading this article, you are in that position, is it not time that you “stepped across”?

 

 

 

 

THE ONLY BRIDGE

 

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” (5)  We cannot come to God any other way than by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Bible makes this very clear (6).

 

We must reach the point where we are prepared to say, “I need to be saved.” Do you believe that the death of Jesus Christ was for you? Will you accept what He has done and trust in Him? Very simply, will you ask Him to save you? Out of great love for us, the Lord Jesus Christ came to earth and died in our place. He did not remain dead, however. Just as He had promised, He rose from the dead bodily and was seen to be alive again. He is alive today and will save all who call upon Him.

 

 

 

END NOTES:-  (1)Isa.59:2.  (2)1 Pet.3:18.  (3)1 Tim.2:5.  (4)1 Tim.3:16.  (5)Jn.14:6.  (6)Acts 4:12.